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eichacsj's avatar
eichacsj
Explorer
Jan 05, 2016

How do you put chains on your RV's?

We mostly travel in winter From AZ to Denver or to Seattle for Christmas. We also mostly boon-dock for long weekends a lot of the time in winter. So I do put on chains here and there. Here is how I do it, sorry no pictures yet, on a trip this winter next time I put the chains on I will pictorially document it if my description doesn't work. Now this will only work if you have slots in your rims.

First for your TV and rear axle of TT;
1) Lay the chains out in the back of the wheel
2) I carry bailing wire (from any box store) and I cut 6 pieces about 12 - 14 inches (depends on how wide your rims are)
3) Thread the wire through a slot in your rim, hook the chain on each end of the wire on all 6 wheels
5) hop in your TV and drive forward until the chain is all around your tire and where you can reach to hook the chain.
6) Remove the wire and attach the chain hooks
7) do the same for your front TT axle except you will have to back up.
8) attach chain tighteners, though I think you will find doing it this way the chains go on very tight. Unless on the highway I do not put on the tighteners.

They use to sell tire clamps to do this back in the old days :-).

Just my way, thought I would throw it out.

Happy RV'ing
  • bpounds wrote:

    The way they tuck disk brake calipers into the wheels these days, I am leery of putting anything through the spokes. I guess the risk is minimal doing what you suggest


    Good point, works for me but be careful to look at your clearances.

    Also someone above mentioned the new chains with self adjusters, is a good if not better option. Many good ways.

    Hum "snow sock" I will have to look at those.
  • Turn on the right turn signal and pull off the road... Find a rest area, Walmart, campground, pop the slides, level, hit the sat button, walk the dog, have a toddy, eat something, watch the rest of the idiots on TV still on the road and have a good night's sleep.
  • debaets wrote:
    Has anyone tried the Snow Socks?


    Carry them but haven't had to use them yet
  • Google Insta-chain...

    I have used them on emergency vehicles & they are well worth the money. Besides, It's so much easier to simply sit in the driver's seat & throw a switch, & the chains are applied or removed as needed.

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